Liz outside Buckingham Palace
Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom has spoken of her pride after attending the recent King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Liz attended the prestigious royal event after being nominated by the Chief Constable on behalf of Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
Describing the occasion as a ‘lovely’ experience, Liz said it meant a great deal to be recognised by the force as she approaches the end of more than 30 years of service.
“This was my second time attending a garden party,” she said. “The first time I went on behalf of the Federation, but this one was on behalf of the force after being nominated by the Chief Constable.
“It meant a lot that they felt I deserved to be nominated to go. I was very proud to be there representing the Force.”
Liz said the atmosphere at Buckingham Palace was memorable, with military bands performing throughout the day and guests enjoying the historic surroundings.
“It was a really nice experience,” she said. “It was very busy, and we met some great people. I also got stopped by some retired officers who were there for other reasons, which was lovely.
“There were military bands playing and, I have to admit, I enjoyed the cake and the ice cream too – I definitely left the diet at home for the day.”
The event also held special significance for Liz because she has now attended garden parties hosted by both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
“The last time I attended it was the Queen’s garden party, and now it’s the King’s,” she said. “It feels very historic to have attended events hosted by both monarchs.
“I was also fortunate enough to receive a Jubilee medal from the Queen and a Coronation medal from the King, so it feels quite special towards the end of my service.”
Liz attended the event with her husband, Steve, who also enjoyed the occasion.
“He loved it too,” she said. “As a former Metropolitan Police officer for the last nine and a half years of his service, after serving in Cambridgeshire, he felt very much back at home being there.”
Reflecting on the day, Liz said the invitation was a fitting and memorable honour as she nears retirement.
“To be nominated by the Chief Constable was an honour,” she said. “It was a very proud moment and a lovely experience that I’ll always remember.”